BILL CLARK
Did You Know?
- The Variable Goshawk has been known by a few other names including Papuasian Goshawk, Rufous-breasted Goshawk, Varied Goshawk, and Vinous-chested Goshawk.
- This species comes in three color morphs, including an all gray one and an all white one.
- There are more than 20 subspecies of Variable Goshawk
How The Peregrine Fund is Helping
Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Variable Goshawks, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve birds of prey around the world. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation. We also run the Global Raptor Impact Network which gives raptor researchers tools to more efficiently conduct their own studies while contributing to a global program. GRIN also provides citizen scientists a way to participate in raptor science and conservation.
Where They Live
This species is relatively widespread throughout its range which includes New Guinea, North Moluccas, Sumbawa, the Solomon Islands, and the Lesser Sundas. It is found in a wide array of habitats include primary and tall secondary forest, forest edge, monsoon forest, riverine forest, swamp edges, savanna, scrub, gallery forest, and plantations, including coconut groves, botanical gardens and city parks.
Why They Need our Help
Researchers believe that this is a fairly common species on most of the islands where it occurs. It is categorized as a species of "Least Concern" by BirdLife International. However, there is still a lot to be learned about this raptor. Scientists don't have a lot of information about its breeding biology, diet, or behavior.
What They Eat
Though there is still much we don't know about the Variable Goshawk's diet, we do know a few things. For example, this raptor has a varied diet and will feed on birds (including fruit-doves, sandpipers, and starlings), as well as small mammals (such as mice), lizards, frogs, snakes, and large insects. When on the hunt, this species sits on an exposed perch waiting and watching for prey. It might also hover low open an open area, such as a grassland, or it has also been seen jumping about among foliage and vines when seeking small animal prey.
Nests, Eggs, and Young
Very little is known about the nesting habits of this relatively common species. Nests are built of sticks and lined with green leaves and placed around 25-30 m high on sturdy, branch or fork in large leafless trees. The female will lay 1-3 eggs, which probably need to be incubated for around one month. Apart from this, very little else is known! This would be a perfect species to study!
Variable Goshawk and the World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. Interactive activities, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes and a touch table are available for the curious mind. We also have several birds of prey on display year-around. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions you may have about Variable Goshawks or any other birds of prey.
References:
del Hoyo, J., N. Collar, J. S. Marks, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Variable Goshawk (Accipiter hiogaster), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, B. K. Keeney, P. G. Rodewald, and T. S. Schulenberg, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.vargos1.01
Global Raptor Information Network. 2022. Species account: Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 23 Sep. 2022
